by KR Bankston
“The crew just got here man,” Mook told him as Tariq heard several voices coming inside greeting each other and Mook.
“Hey Top, how’s things going,” Shells greeted as Ramell and Jacoury each added a greeting.
Tariq gave them a quick update on the court case before moving on to their own business.
“Before we start, something I want everyone to know,” Tariq told them as the men grew quiet and gave him their complete attention. “Mook’s position has changed,” Tariq began anew. “He’s now my Partner, so he has full authority to make moves, assignments, whatever,” he finished as the men congratulated Mook and told Tariq they understood.
“So now, Shells, bring us up to speed,” Tariq once again spoke.
Shells told them about the documents he’d gotten from Nero’s safe before killing him.
“We got enough on the Lockhart’s and Ice to put them away a long time,” he told them as Tariq agreed.
“That’s straight, but we still hafta find out how deep Lockhart’s hands run into the DEA, FBI and shit,” he told them as they all spoke simultaneously.
“Hell that evidence could disappear and we be up shits creek again with them fools,” Tariq told them as they again agreed.
“Santana, he’s critical,” Shells told them, having arrived at the hospital after leaving the scene, waiting for the ambulance to arrive.
He’d discreetly hung around long enough to hear several reports on the man’s condition.
“Hmph, no great concern there,” Mook replied coldly.
“Now de kicker though,” Shells went on as he told them all about Jaron’s deception.
“No fuckin’ way man, stop playin’,” Jacoury replied.
Shells told them the man had indeed switched sides and had been obviously snitching for a while.
“No damned wonder Ice’s crew had the jump on us with so much bullshit,” Tariq replied heatedly.
“Where is Gabrielle,” Mook asked of the woman.
Shells told him about her breakdown.
“What you wanna do with her Top,” Mook asked.
“Your call,” Tariq replied smoothly.
Mook thought about it for a few moments before speaking. “She’s poison to us now,” he said calmly. “We have no clue what Jaron did or didn’t tell her, with her state of mind, she could flip on us and then we’re right back at square one, another Jaron on our hands,” he added as everyone agreed. “Leave her where she is, cut her off,” he added of the financial support they always provided to the women of their crew if the man wasn’t able.
“I agree,” Tariq replied. “The case should be over in the next couple of days and I’ll be back home,” he told them. “We’ll meet again and decide how we’re going to rid ourselves of Ice and Ray Lockhart once and for damned all,” he finished irritably as the men once again agreed with is sentiment.
“I’ll keep a check on the hospital Shells, if we’re lucky, Santana will go ahead and die,” Tariq said coldly.
Mook agreed. “Then we’ll let Ray Lockhart know how close he came to it being his flesh and blood, and how easily we can get to him whenever we want,” Mook said aloud, echoing the sentiment in the room.
The men talked over a few other dealings that were pressing before the meeting was called and they all left. Mook was still on the phone with Tariq.
“You talked to old girl,” he asked, referring to Carlita.
“No, but the trick has been blowing up my phone, that’s for damned sure,” Tariq replied irritably.
“You need to cut her off man, sounds like she’s trippin and thinks it’s more than just a friendly bounce between you two,” Mook admonished.
Tariq sighed deeply and told him it was first on his list when he got home.
“That’s straight man, go on back and relax with KiKi,” Mook told him. “I’ll get up with you later.”
Tariq thanked him, disconnecting and going back inside the bedroom, slipping into bed with Kaitlyn and holding her close as she continued to sleep.
21
Nikki and Ryan were laughing and joking by the time they arrived at her place, the earlier conversation forgotten.
“I’m going to take a shower,” she told him as he told her okay and headed to the kitchen.
Ryan grabbed a sprite from her fridge, popping the top and heading into the bedroom. Turning on the TV he found the video channel and left it there. Checking his phone he saw an unopened text. Reading quickly he called Ian while Nikki showered.
“Yo, what’s up Ice,” he asked as soon as his brother answered the phone.
Ian told him about Santana being shot and clinging to life.
“Damn, what the hell,” Ryan asked.
Ian told him about Jaron and him turning on them, trying to kill both Brent and Santana.
“That muthafucka dead,” Ryan asked calmly.
Ian assured him he was. “You know anything about Jalen’s death,” Ian asked.
“Yeah, I know about it,” Ryan replied without hesitation.
Ian had been informed of the death a few days back, paying for the body to be flown back to Philly and a private burial next to their mother.
“You kill him,” Ian asked once more.
“Yeah,” Ryan replied simply.
“Hmph,” Ian replied but said nothing more.
Ryan sighed lightly explaining the why as Ian listened silently.
“I’m not upset, I was simply curious,” he told his brother.
Ian never questioned anything Ryan did concerning their business. His brother had helped mold him into the legend he was now, and their business always thrived under his guidance. If he killed Jalen it was because he was a liability, and the one thing Ryan hated, were liabilities.
“Does Tae know it was you,” Ian asked.
Ryan told him no, she never got the chance to see him.
“So as far as they all know, I’m still very much dead,” he chuckled as Ian chuckled with him. “I do need to talk to you though Ice,” Ryan began again, their father coming to mind.
“OK, when are you stopping by,” Ian replied without hesitation.
“Later, after I put Nikki to sleep,” he boasted.
Ian burst into laughter and told him to go ahead and handle that then.
“I’ll see you at the house later,” he added before the two disconnected.
Ryan was still smiling as he rose and undressed, wandering into the bathroom where Nikki still showered.
He quietly slid the shower door open as she rinsed her face. Clearing the water so she could see, Nikki turned, finding herself in his arms as Ryan embraced her pulling her close. He kissed her before she could speak, his hands sliding down and grasping her butt, pulling her closer as he grind slowly against her.
“You were taking too long,” he told her softly pushing her against the shower wall.
Ryan kissed her chest, licking her nipples as he held her arms above her head. Nikki moaned softly loving the feel of his tongue, mingled with the hot water that still flowed freely, raining down on them. Returning to her lips, he released her arms as Nikki promptly wrapped them around his strong shoulders, enjoying the passionate kiss they were still sharing. Ryan slipped his fingers between her legs, finding and trapping her clit between his thumb and index fingers, rubbing gently as she moaned and her juices flowed.
“Does Nikki want to be naughty,” Ryan asked, pushing his fingers inside her wetness.
“Mmm, yes she does,” Nikki replied on fire from his effort.
“That’s good to know,” Ryan replied, using his fingers still as he palmed her clit with each movement.
Nikki was close and the next touch sent her over the edge as she came hard.
Ryan’s fingers were slippery with her finish, when he kissed her again, wrapping her leg around his waist and sliding inside her. He surprised her by lifting her off her feet, holding her easily as he began drilling her. This fuckin’ man is strong as shit, she thought as he hit her g-spot again a
nd again.
“Ryan, damn,” Nikki cried out loving each and every hard inch he was giving her.
Ryan messed her head up again, throwing her legs over his shoulders, her back against the tile, nothing to stop him as he began digging into her with a purpose.
“Yeah, shit,” Nikki murmured, coming hard again.
Ryan was breathing deeply, enjoying every thrust he put into her. Nikki began flexing, closing her muscle around him every time he went inside.
“Aww hell yeah,” Ryan moaned softly his pace increasing. “Girl you bout to make me --,” Ryan got out before his erection stiffened and his seed emptied in Nikki’s open canal, the sensation bringing her to yet another orgasm and her sex began to spasm and pulsate.
“Mmm, girl, you are the shit,” Ryan told her lovingly as they began kissing and he carefully put her down.
Helping her from the tub, Ryan dried her before lifting her to onto the bathroom counter, opening her legs and giving her an instant replay.
*****
Ananda moaned softly as Ian thrust deeply into her. Ian may not have hired her to care for his daughter, but her attractiveness hadn’t escaped him either. Ian paid for her time as a nanny, but enjoyed her as a prostitute. His mind wasn’t even on the dark haired beauty as he continued his quest for release. He wanted Kaitlyn and he was excited thinking how much closer he was to having her. Ian pictured her in his mind, her beautiful breasts pressed against his chest as he loved her. Ian remembered the last time he’d been inside her. That’s when our daughter was created, he thought and held Ananda tighter. Ian heard Kaitlyn moaning softly in his ear as she came hard from their lovemaking. He saw himself thrusting into her as she urged him deeper. Picturing her crying out once more, Ian came hard, filling the condom he wore. Breathing hard, he lay atop Ananda a few moments more, gathering himself. Rising finally Ian, carefully removed himself and the condom from her. She smiled at him as Ian gave her a half smile and went into the bathroom.
Returning moments later, he found her dressing. He was pleased that she understood the rules of the game and didn’t cause him undue stress.
“You were wonderful as usual,” Ian told her honestly, giving her a quick peck on the check.
Ananda smiled and thanked him as he walked her downstairs and to the door.
“Remember you need to be here Friday evening this time,” Ian told her.
Ananda voiced her understanding, kissing him softly once more before leaving. Ian went into the library making himself a drink. He’d managed to talk Kaitlyn into bringing Tajdra on Friday, since they were here already and allowing him a little extra time with her. Before his mind could take flight again, he heard the car in the drive. Turning he saw Carver escorting Ryan inside, laughing as they conversed with one another.
“I’m heading out Ice,” Carver told him as Ian assured him that was fine.
Ian offered his brother a drink, and began making it once he accepted.
“So what’s up,” Ian asked after making himself comfortable on the Victorian sofa.
Ryan sighed softly. “Our father,” he replied as Ian gave him a look.
“The man’s been dead for over 20 years Ryan,” Ian patiently replied.
“He was our stepfather,” he again threw out plainly.
Ian looked at him like he was crazy.
“What are you talking about Ryan, you’re not making sense,” Ian replied.
Taking another sip from his drink, Ryan told Ian the entire truth about their existence and the man who’d fathered them.
“What the fuck,” Ian asked tightly his mind still trying to process all he’d learned. “So why does the bastard want to see me now,” he barked angrily.
Ryan, knowing the anger wasn’t directed at him, told him he assumed it was an old man’s dying wish to try and make things right.
“Little late for that bullshit, don’t you think,” Ian quickly replied.
Ryan chuckled bitterly, telling him agreed.
“What if I say no,” Ian again threw out.
“Not a good idea, even now,” Ryan replied calmly.
“Fuck,” Ian once again.
“It doesn’t have to happen for two weeks after the proceedings wrap up,” Ryan told him as Ian grumbled and said that was at least something.
“You straight with this shit,” Ryan asked.
Ian told him it answered a lot of questions for him.
“Yeah, I’m cool, got more pressing shit going on,” he added as Ryan nodded his understanding.
“What’s the word on Santana,” Ryan asked.
Ian sighed deeply and told him the news unfortunately was still very bad.
*****
“Hello Gabrielle,” Ray greeted her sweetly, walking into the private room.
“Hi,” she returned smiling slightly.
He needed to tell her about Jaron and find out what, if anything, she knew about his plans.
“How are you feeling today,” Ray asked, coming to sit next to her on the small settee in the room.
“I’m fine Ray,” she replied.
He visited often and they were friends. Ray actually felt a lot more for Gabrielle than friendship. He just hadn’t made a move yet.
“Is Jaron out of town again,” she asked.
It was the excuse he gave her every time he came without the man. Though angry about Jaron’s deception, Ray wasn’t sorry he was dead. Now there was nothing stopping him from possessing the beautiful woman sitting beside him.
“Gabrielle, I’m afraid I have some bad news,” he began, looking into her hypnotic green eyes.
“What,” she asked fearfully, giving him her full attention.
“There’s been an accident,” Ray began again as he saw the tears forming.
“Jaron’s hurt,” she asked quietly, afraid of the answer.
Ray answered honestly, telling her Jaron was dead. He spared her the gruesome details, holding her as she sobbed deeply.
“Shhh, it’s all right, Gabrielle, I’m here,” Ray told her.
She finally quieted, rising and going into the bathroom to wash her face. Ray took off his jacket, getting more comfortable. She came and sat beside him again, gathering her thoughts before speaking.
“I don’t know where to even begin Ray,” Gabrielle told him honestly. “Jaron always took care of everything,” she got out before Ray stopped her.
“Don’t worry about anything Gabrielle,” he told her kindly. “I’ll handle everything.”
Gabrielle thanked him, hugging him tightly. Her body betrayed her as she did, nipples hardening against his chest. Gabrielle was extremely attracted to Ray. She’d managed to hide it during the visits, but truthfully she was always glad to see him without Jaron. She chided herself for the attraction given the age difference between them. Ray felt the change in her body, pulling her even closer, kissing her neck softly before he could catch himself.
Gabrielle pulled away looking into his eyes, saying nothing. Ray stroked her face gently, leaning in and kissing her passionately. Gabrielle hungrily returned the kisses as her hands began unbuttoning his shirt, caressing the well sculpted chest underneath.
“Gabrielle, are you sure you want this,” Ray asked, already at full attention.
“Yes, I want you so much Ray,” she replied without hesitation, their lips connecting again.
Ray quickly undressed her, picking her up and placing her on the bed, immediately taking her breast in his mouth. Being a private facility, Hillcrest was just as lavishly adorned as most homes, this room being no exception with the huge Queen bed and opulent decorum. Gabrielle couldn’t believe Ray wanted her as much as she wanted him. She was hurt that Jaron was gone, but she wasn’t stupid either. Ray was rich and powerful in addition to being incredibly sexy. She needed security and he definitely would provide that; the small thing of her being completely in love with him, coming in second place.
“Gabrielle, mmm,” Ray murmured, burying is face in her soft wetness as she moaned aloud.
“Ray, yes, that’s so good,” she moaned passionately.
He brought her to orgasm before returning to her lips and looking into her eyes again.
“This is forever Gabrielle,” Ray told her seriously. “Are you sure,” he asked once again.
Gabrielle’s hand slid down his taunt, toned body, gripping his butt and pulling him inside her.
“I’m yours Ray,” she whispered in his ear as he held her tightly and made love to her thrusting deeply.
“Oh god, I’m cuming,” Gabrielle cried out moments later.
“My sweet Gabrielle,” Ray murmured, his manhood pulsating as his orgasm pushed its way up. He didn’t even attempt to remove himself as his finish surged forward and he released it deep inside her. Breathing hard, he kissed her neck gently as Gabrielle continued to stroke his body.
“Am I really yours Ray,” Gabrielle questioned, wanting to cement her future once and for all.
“Yes, baby, always mine,” Ray assured her as he began kissing her again, and she surrendered herself to his will.
22
A man of his word, Ray talked to the hospital administrator and had Gabrielle discharged the next morning, moving her quickly into his palatial estate. She smiled looking out of the huge plate glass window in the sitting room. Ray left her an hour or so ago, heading once again for General to check on Santana, and then to court. Gabrielle patted herself on the back for her brilliance and her plans coming together. True, she hadn’t planned on Jaron dying, but in the end it still gained her freedom. She spent a lot of years unhappy because Jaron wouldn’t let her go. Gabrielle never wanted to live the life of a hustler’s chick. She wanted normalcy. She wanted to be accepted by society as the upstanding woman of an upstanding man; to join the country club or social network and have no one whispering about her. Gabrielle begged Jaron time and again to let her go, but he wouldn’t. She hated how they struggled, in her estimation. All of Tariq’s other men made far more money than he did, but he never seemed to see it. That all changed the day he met up with Creeper.
Gabrielle was happy when they moved and Jaron began working for Ray. Meeting him was the most wonderful day of her life; she continued to muse as she explored the huge mansion. Ray was absolutely sexy. His being 20 years her senior didn’t bother Gabrielle at all. Most the rich, powerful, influential men she knew in the bayou were considerably older than their wives. She was deeply depressed about the loss of her son, but even that Gabrielle held Jaron’s lifestyle responsible for. Ray got her admitted into the exclusive country club styled mental facility and paid all her expenses. She suspected he had some sort of feelings for her when he began to visit frequently without Jaron. This time however Gabrielle did her homework. She asked questions of the staff and slowly but surely found out all she needed to know about Raynard Lockhart. I’m going to love being his wife, Gabrielle thought. She wouldn’t rush him however. With a man like Ray, you had to handle him carefully. She knew he was deeply infatuated with her right now and Gabrielle had every intention of playing it the hilt.